Chapter Text
"While war is planned by generals, and executed by soldiers. The source, the root, the seed of conflict is planted and nurtured by the policians and leaders. Thus, it becomes apparent that war is simply the continuation of politics by use of violence. It is an unfortunate corollary to this, that those who least understand the horror of war, and are least equipped to conduct it in an effecacious manner, are those who gain the most by its initiation."
-Jedi Knight Revan, "On the Nature of Galactic Warfare, a Jedi Perspective"
"As Jedi, we are called to follow the Will of the Force, relieving suffering and pain, and bringing healing and Light to the darkest corners of the galaxy. At our core, we are peacekeepers. There are some who say that this is somehow opposed to my decision to break from the Jedi Order so that I, and those Knights and Masters who chose to follow me, could join in the defense of the Republic against the Neo-Crusaders. They claim that it is impossible to 'fight for peace,' and crudely joke that it is the equivalent of 'kriffing for virginity.'
Setting aside the purile humor, as Jedi, we are indeed called to be peacekeepers, however those who criticize our decision must realize that in order for peace to be kept, it must first be created. It may surprise many within the Order, especially considering my own background and heritage, to see me put these words to flimsi, but I wholeheartedly agree that the first weapon a Jedi should reach for in order to create peace should be their words. However, it is pure and simple naiveté to assume that a negotiated settlement can be found in all circumstances. What compromise can be reached with those who desire nothing more than conquest unless a cost is attached to said action? If the opponent can claim all of their desired goals through force, and expects little or no cost to them during said seizure, what reason do they have to come to the truce-table in good faith? If the goal of the agressor is genocide, then what middle ground can be found? Should we 'negotiate' with them to only sacrifice half of a planet? Should we accept a settlement of decimation instead of compete destruction?
To be a warrior, to be willing to fight in a war for the sake of peace, is the currency that backs the diplomats' negotiation. It is just as much a part of a Jedi's duties as the negotiation of the treaties that will bring said war to its conclusion. "
-Jedi Knight Revan, "On the Nature of Galactic Warfare, a Jedi Perspective"
"Pacifism, the complete rejection of violence, is nothing more than a foolish attempt to abdicate moral responsibility in the name of a nebulous belief that violence is never justified, no matter the cost. I would ask it's proponents to explain to the slaves in the Neo-Crusader thrall armies that, while they firmly believe slavery to be abhorrent, it is better to leave those souls in chains than it is to dirty their hands with violence. I would ask them to explain to me how they intend to find meaningful compromise with Mand'alor the Ultimate when he desires nothing more than to wrap chains around their throats, and burn their planets down around them.
The simple fact remains that throughout history, nations that have embraced pacifism only do so by shifting the burden of defense to allies and neighbors. Perhaps the pacifist doesn't don armor or take up a blade, but their system of intentional vulnerability can only exist over the long term by requiring others to pay the cost of their weakness in coin and souls. The pacifist proudly displays their clean hands to the masses, while they expect others to hold the knife stained in blood."
-Jedi Knight Revan, "On the Nature of Galactic Warfare, a Jedi Perspective"
"Is not the best kept blade also the sharpest? You accuse me of weakness because I invest in the well being of my vassals and their vassals in turn. Tell me, Lord Artax, how many revolts have I been required to put down in my own space? It's an easy answer: none. A subject with no home, whose riduur and ade starve, whose life will end in chains just as it began, believes they have nothing to lose and finds it easy to justify rebellion. Provide that subject with a livelihood, with a home, with food for their aliit, and suddenly even the most repressive regime becomes tolerable, or at least ignorable. High minded ideals are discarded or ignored as long as an individual's life has some modicum of comfort.
You see, Lord Atrax, by ensuring my subjects are free, by investing in their wellbeing, I have gained more control over them than any combination of chips, collars, or chains: I have given them something that is all too easy for me to take away."
-Darth Revan, Lord of Vengeance, addressing the Dark Council
"What is it to be Sith? Many would say it is to use your passion to fuel the Dark Side of the Force, to use that strength to gain victory, and through that victory to break the chains that bind us. However, I wound point out to those who follow this interpretation that nowhere in our Code does it mention that a Sith must be Force Sensative. After all, the Code is clear that it is the Force that frees us, not ourselves. How then would one who is Force-Blind use their passion without being able to perceive or manipulate the Force?
Simply put, the answer is that this view is a misunderstanding of the Sith Code. At the time it was penned, not long after our predecessors' Exile from Tython, the meaning of the word 'passion' was entirely different than it is today. Rather than referring to an excess of emotion, or romantic or physical attraction, 'passion' instead meant 'suffering.' Thus, in light of this linguistic drift, the Sith Code speaks not to an indulgence in uncontrolled emotion (a failing as dangerous to a Force Blind as it is to a Sith, even without the risk of a Fall), but rather taking the suffering we experience and forging it into our strength. While the Jedi Code preaches restraint, some would say suberservience, although I also think this is a poor interpretation, the Sith Code is aspirational. It is a call for us to overcome our suffering, to find meaning in the pain, to overcome our weakness, and through that strength, to tear away that which binds us and holds us captive."
-Darth Revan, Lord of Vengeance, addressing the Dark Council
"You call me a heretic? From my perspective, your position is the one that reeks of heresy, treason against our Empire, and weakness. It is a fallacy to claim that a path is correct simply because it happens to be the one we already walk, and as such I will decline to offer a response to the vast majority of your argument. However, on the subject of our philosophy, I would refer you to my earlier discussion on the Code. To be Sith is to adhere to a system of belief, an aspirational philosophy of self improvement with the objective of freeing ourselves from that which prevents us from accomplishing our goals. There is nothing in our Code that requires one to be gifted by the Force; nothing in our Code prevents those who are Force Blind from adhering to our ways with as much devotion as those of us here within this Council chamber.
All of us here must believe that to follow the path of Sith is the greatest possible good, otherwise how could we claim to be truly devoted to our Order and Empire. In our Accademies and apprenticeships we seek to assist our young members to progress along the Path of the Sith, as is to be expected if we are truly devout. How can we then claim to follow the Code if we insist upon placing our vassals and subordinates in the very chains that our Code exhorts us to remove? How can we expect our followers and vassals to forge their suffering into strength if we strip from them very agency necessary to perform that basic step?
I understand that opinions on this differ, and I respect that a mass manumission would cause massive upset and economic disruption within our Empire. Such chaos would create weakness that simply cannot be allowed while the specter of the Republic and the Genocide of Korriban hangs above our heads. The danger inherent in any fractures is why I have not brought this interpretation of doctrine before this Council, and have been content to approach the matter as a voluntary one for each Lord to decide on their own. However, I resent the accusation that my adherence and devotion to the Sith Code is somehow a sign of my 'weakness' and unsuitability to rule. Should Lord Atrax wish to, I invite him to test my supposed flaws in a duel. I assure him, he will not find my strength lacking."
-Lord Revan, Lord of Vengeance, addressing the Dark Council
"What is Anathema? Anathema, the Jedi will tell you, Acolytes, is attempting to compel the Force to move against it's Will. As, I hope for the sake of my belief in the competence of the future of our Order, all of you are aware, I was raised a slave, then studied as a Jedi, before coming to the Sith, and, while I find little to redeem many Jedi teachings, I beleive their view of Anathema makes for a suitable analogy. It may also help you understand their prattle if you should encounter one and they begin to lecture you about the 'universal Will' of the Force.
The Jedi see the Force as a great river, constantly sweeping downstream towards the ocean, power, at its end. In this analogy, the Jedi, with their focus on peace and tranquility, lazily float along this river, allowing the current, the Will of the Force, to take them to their destination. As Sith, we are not blind to the current, and swim along with it, harnessing the Force as our only unshakable ally and free ourselves from the confines that the Jedi so easily accept.
The slow amongst you, as I doubt your instructors have yet to separate the chaff, may presume then that Anathema would be to swim up the stream, fighting against the current. No, Acolytes, for no matter how strong the swimmer, they shall eventually tire and be swept away, likely to drown beneath the very river they believed their salvation. This fool, then, is the Sith who refuses to heed the counsel of the Force, and dooms themselves through their hubris to failure.
Anathema, is when that fool detonates an atomic downstream to reverse the flow of the river. It is to use your power to violate the very laws of creation that the Force itself either made, or follows, depending on your interpretation. Returning the dead to life, altering force sensativity, cloning force sensatives, soul transference, all of these things are Anathema to the Force. No doubt many of you are questioning whether Anathema should be attempted at all, or whether you should avoid it entirely. I will not lie to you, Acolytes, there is great power in alchemy that creates Anathema, and even greater power in Anathemic Sorcery. If you choose to, it is a world where the very laws of the universe are yours to remake, and truly no limit on what you might accomplish with enough power. Life, death, time itself are all meaningless if you are willing to commit Anathema. However, Acolytes, remember that you violate the Force itself with your actions, and the more you take, the more it takes in return. It's price could be your beauty, or it could reduce you to a being of endless hunger like Darth Nihilus. Perhaps you will live an eternal life of unending pain, like Darth Scion. Perhaps you successfully transfer your essence but lose your ability to touch the Force. Or, Acolytes, perhaps you simply cease to exist in any time.
Power is the birthright of the Sith, but cunning must be used in how that power is applied. I will not prevent any of you from studying Anathema, or even conducting Anathemic Ritual and Alchemy, but I will also not step in to save you should the price be to high. Discretion is as much a Sith practice as betrayal.
-Lord Yuthura Ban, Instructing a class at the Sith Academy on Dromund Kaas
"Upon my return to the Jedi Order from the Sith Empire, due to circumstances that this Council is aware of, I have noticed a disturbing trend amongst the Order to confuse the use of the Dark Side, and even the adherence to Sith Principles, with the concept of Anathema. For those less aware of metaphysics, Anathema is the act of compelling the Force to violate it's natural flow, or, in more lay terms, breaking the rules the Force operates under. Many of us are familiar with cautionary stories regarding the negative side effects, unintended consequences, and perils that have befallen those who have attempted to compel the Force against it's natural path, with the classic example being to attempt to return a deceased being to true life. That is, perhaps, the classic case of Anathema. Another, more recent example, would be Darth Sion's use of his own pain to compel the Force to keep his body together, and his spirit with it, long after his time to join the Force had come. You could also turn to Darth Nihilus and the method he used to survive the activation of the Mass Shadow Generator.
Both of these individuals suffered severe consequences for their actions (Nihilus' insatiable hunger, and Sion's unending pain) as the Force essentially 'lashed back' against their actions. This is also, in part, why both Jedi and Sith Sorcery are such dangerous undertakings, as the use of ritual and Force Nexus energy makes it ridiculously easy to, even accidentally, compel the Force to act against it's natural flow, as is well known by members of this Order. I will point out, however, that this also implies that Anathema may be committed by using either the Light or Dark sides of the Force.
There are many who have been preaching that the Sith use their emotions to 'twist' the Force, and that the Dark Side is in and of itself somehow unnatural. I would remind this Council that there is truly no Light or Dark, only the Force, and that the Light and Dark are a result of our interactions with the Force as sentient beings, as has long been taught by our Order.
As further evidence of the difference between Anathema and the Dark, I would ask the Council how the Sith would be able to teach their apprentices to follow the Will of the Force if their every interaction with it was Anathema? Surely if the basic act if using the Dark Side twisted the Force away from it's natural path, they would have no need for, or respect of the Force's Will.
Ah, I sense some confusion. Yes, the Sith do indeed preach a respect for, and awareness of, the Force's Will. In fact, it is a common teaching that the only ally a Sith can ever truly rely on is the Force itself, as it will never betray or abandon them. The typical response I've received to this statement is how can the Sith both follow the will of the Force, and still practice the highly adversarial system of advancement they hold so strongly to. After all, if they followed the Will of the Force, their actions should be in harmony and concert, as we seek our actions to be. My answer is that the Will of the Force manifests very differently within the Light and Dark. For Jedi, we preach, and experience a unified Will, a general guidance that does not change depending on the Jedi seeking answers. It is why it has long been a tradition of this Order that decisions by this High Council should be unanimous after consultation with the Force.
The Sith, however, do not experience the Will of the Force as a universal flow, with the Force guiding each Sith towards their best future. When those futures conflict, it is the stronger Sith, the one most attuned to the Force and it's Will, who wins out. Thus, for the Sith, the Will of the Force is an individual, not collective, good that, on average, will lead to the strengthening of the Sith Order by helping the strongest of them succeed. It is critical to remember, Masters, that what makes the Sith so dangerous is that the Force loves it's Dark ade, just as much as it's Light. It is a common saying that 'the Force will provide,' but it is critical to remember that it provides not just to the Jedi, but to the Sith as well."
-Master-Shadow Revan, Speaking to the Jedi Council prior to his return to Dromund Kaas
"It's telling, Kandosii, that every time the Jedi have wiped out the Sith, they return, and every time the Sith destroy the Jedi, they return as well. I believe that this new interpretation, espoused originally by such exemplary Jedi as Masters Vrook Lamar and Atris, which claims that 'balance' in the Force is actually just the Light Side, and that the Dark is truly a symptom of 'imbalance' rather than a natural effect of our sentient minds interacting with the Force, is nothing more than propoganda meant to simplify our unending war with the Sith into a foolishly simple moral dichotomy. By the Manda, ba'vodu, they even wanted to purge any mention of the fact that the Jedi and Sith both share a common ancestor-order: the ancient Je'dai of Tython. Apparently it was 'likely Sith propoganda' that the Light side Je'dai were the ones to Exile the proto-Sith from Tython, and they even attempted to claim there was 'no evidence' that the genocide of the Sith on Korriban was 'anything more than an attempt to shift blame from the Sith's own self destructive ways.' As if we don't have kriffing Holocrons, noeticons, and even written records recovered from Tython and Ossus that validate both accounts. For that matter, if they really wanted the answer, they could simply travel to Korriban and just ask the ancient Sith spirits in the Tombs to answer the question. I'm pretty sure most of them would jump at the chance to rant about the hypocrisy of the Jedi, especially to a bunch of hypocritical Jedi.
Kriff, Kandosii, I'm even worried about the knowledge I've gathered during my life. My return from the Dark is, ironically, less of an issue as the whole 'soul bond and mental rape' situation is vanishingly unlikely to reoccur. Further, I still maintain that I never truly Fell, and that much of the blame can be placed on Vitiate and the mir'kadale he inflicted on me. Bastila's return however, is far more complicated. Bastila Fell, she admits that herself, and, according to the Jedi, it is impossible to return from a Fall, but she did. Further, there's a growing faction in the Order that is purposefully conflating the two different concepts of 'using the Dark Side' and 'Falling.' Their position, essentially, is that use of the Dark Side inevitably leads to a fall, and both Bastila and I being able to do so without Falling is a bit of a strill in the bedroom for them.
I'm concerned because this faction is also incredibly invested in the moral rectitude of the Jedi, and many were both personal friends and professional allies of the Dantooine Councilors (Yes, the ones Malak so horribly robbed you and HK of getting the chance to shoot, I know). The easiest way for them to continue with their doctrinal modification would be to purge the actual story of the end of the Jedi Civil War, and to canonize the original cover story that Dantooine tried to sell: that Padawan Bastila Shan killed Darth Revan aboard his flagship, found the Prodigal Knight on Tarris, that said Knight was able to (through a miracle of the Force, and the wisdom of the great and wise Jedi Masters of the Dantooine Council) be trained in a matter of months, and that the Prodigal Knight and Knight Shan went on to handily defeat Darth Malak.
Makes a pretty nice tale, doesn't it? They don't have to acknowledge the crimes committed by the Dantooine Council, Revan becomes a horror story told to Padawans about why you always follow the Orders of the Wise Masters ('Revan thought he was taking the right actions, for all the right reasons, but he disobeyed the Council and look what happened to him!'), and the Ka'ra will only how many Jedi will be condemned to the madness of the Fallen simply because they don't know that it's possible to return. Or, and perhaps even worse, more Jedi Fall because they lose control, have a brush with the Dark Side , and Fall because of self hate and guilt for a crime they haven't even committed. I'm not even that worried about my reputation; when I march ahead, I will still have my honor and the Manda, but I fear how much of the knowledge I have discovered will be lost, and I cannot trust my own Order to have enough grace to wait for my flesh to cool before purging inconvenient, yet critical, knowledge in the name of 'purity.'
I know you don't consider yourself much of a writer or poet, ba'vodu, but someone really should record what happened in Mando'a. At least our people know the truth of Al'buir, Vitiate, the ad be Mand'alor, Revan, and the Prodigal Knight. Knowing how well my two peoples tend to get along (not that I've done anything to particularly help that), I doubt the knowledge will ever make it's way back to the Order if they do begin sanitization of their records, but at least future generations of Mando'ade will know what I did, and why I did it. Maybe they can learn to follow the Manda and the Ka'ra above all else, even if the Jedi do not.
-Master-Shadow Revan writing to Kandosii Ordo, Mand'alor the Preserver
Rev'ika, are you finally getting vain in your old age? Figured you were still a little young to start worrying about your legacy, bu'vod'ika. I don't get most of the Force ossik, Manda ossik, or whatever you want me to call it (I'm still not sure I want to admit they're the same, or that the am Manda is some Mando subsection of your Jettiise Force, but you'd be the expert on that), but I can at least get the events down. Maybe include a couple of the letters we sent back and forth during your training and the War. Still got 'em buried safe on the Demon Moon.
I don't know what's up with your jetti'tsad Internal politics, but val mirsh solus if they purge the sort of intelligence you've gathered for them over kriffing philosophy. Then again, you've always been good at getting them riled up. I'm pretty sure you would have eventually given that di'kut Vrook a fatal aneurysm if Alek hadn't gotten to him first with how good you were at raising his blood pressure.
Don't try to pretend you don't have something big planned, and that you don't think you'll be returning from it. You and the Princess both. I know you can't talk about it over coms or text, but don't think you're going to leave me behind when the time comes. I may be leading our people now (and kriff you for that, I tried to be a good ba'vodu, what the kriff did I ever do to you to deserve this?), but don't think that I can't find a replacement, or that leading this bunch of chakaar'e is more important than being at your side for whatever jare'la scheme you have in mind.
Just let me know how long I have to turn myself into a kriffing novelist and get this book of yours written.
K'oyacyi bu'vod'ika, or I'll kick your shebs when I see you in the Ka'ra.
-Mand'alor the Preserver, Kandosii Ordo, to Master-Shadow Revan, assumed to be his reply to the previous fragment
While no further reports from Master-Shadow Revan or his team have been reported, a coded 'Mission Complete' message was transmitted by Master Revan's personal droid HK-47 and received by Watch Circle Senth. All attempts by the Shadows to locate unit HK-47 have been unsuccessful, and, judging by the competence shown by said droid in the past, are unlikely to ever succeed. Communications intercepts by Shadow SIGINT elements operating externally to Imperial space indicate significant infighting within the Empire, as several factions of Sith appear to be openly struggling for dominance. The presence of battle communications consistent with large scale capital ship engagements between factions loyal to different members of the Dark Council indicate significant open Internal conflict, although it is impossible to tell if it has escalated to full scale civil conflict. Prior reports by Master-Shadow Revan and Master Bastila Shan regarding the Internal political structure of the Empire, and the control Emperor Vitiate held over the Dark Council lead us to the conclusion that Master-Shadow Revan's mission was successful, and the Emperor is either neutralized, or one with the Force.
However, based upon the lack of communication from any member of the mission team other than HK-47, it is our recommendation that the following Jedi and allied personnel be declared to have rejoined the Force in the line of service to the Jedi Order and the Republic:
Master-Shadow Revan
Master-Sentinel Bastila Shan
Grandmaster of the Order Meetra Surik
Admiral Carth Onassi
Knight-Guardian Juhani
Padawan-Consular Jolee Bindo
Mand'alor the Preserver, Canderous Ordo
Specialist Mission Vao, Senate Intelligence Service
Civilian Advisor Zaalbar
Knight-Shadow Mira
Knight-Shadow Visas Marr
Knight-Shadow Atton Rand
Lord Inquisitor Yuthura Ban
Due to the classified nature of the operation, a traditional memorial cannot be performed. However, it is my personal recommendation that their names be enshrined within our Halls for their actions. While it is against all tradition, and likely to get me investigated for heresy by the Council of First Knowledge if ever publicly discovered, I explicitly include Lord Inquisitor Ban in this recommendation. She was once one of us, and served the Republic faithfully in the end; her difference in doctrine from us should be the last concern of ours. Their sacrifice, made in the Shadows, and unremembered and unknown by the galaxy, has likely saved uncountable lives.
Further, as is tradition, I propose the posthumous promotion of Bastila Shan to Grandmaster as the nominated successor to Grandmaster Surik, and her inclusion in our history as such. Other posthumous promotion recommendations include Knight-Guardian Juhani, Knight-Shadow Mira, Knight-Shadow Marr, and Knight-Shadow Rand. I also recommend the promotion of Padawan-Consular Bindo to Knight (backdated to the end of the StarForge crisis) and posthumous promotion to Master-Consular. He cant fight us on it now that he's one with the Force, and the entire order knows it's past due. I understand that this is an extraordinary list of promotions, but I would ask you to remind the Council that they eliminated what is likely the most powerful Sith since the days of Marka Ragnos, and a literal existential threat to life in the galaxy on the same level as Darth Nihilus. Further, as per the mission recommendation from Master-Shadow Revan, I have begun sanitization of all Archives external to the Shadows that have any reference to 'Natheema' or the 'Natheema Ritual.' All references will be replaced with 'an unknown inhabited planet' and 'rendered lifeless via unknown means.' As per the pre-mission briefing, I suspect that the Imperial Intelligence Service and Dark Council have likely begun a similar purge. I also recommend a standing Order be issued to the Shadows to suppress any and all future information regarding this topic. The danger the Natheema ritual represents causes me to believe that there are truly no 'safe hands' for such knowledge to reside in. As always, may the Force be with you, and may our lost find peace in it's embrace.
Death, yet the Force.
-Master-Shadow Artus Phirn, final mission report to Council Master Vima Sunrider regarding disposition of Master-Shadow Revan
All recommendations approved by decree of the Coruscant High Council. To be frank, the most difficult argument was Bindo's promotion directly to Master. However, there is precedent for direct promotion, and it was pointed out to the Council that the only reason we didn't Knight him after the StarForge crisis was that it would have been an embarrassment to the Order when Bindo invariably didn't show to his own Knighting Ceremony.
While I suspect that the death of Vitiate will not cause the dissolution of the Empire, it is the opinion of the Seers that this has bought us at least two to three hundred years of breathing room before a direct confrontation becomes likely. Further, the Seers also report that their Sight in the Unifying Force has become far less clouded. It appears to confirm Master-Shadow Revan's belief that the Emperor was sustaining some sort of Empire-wide veil obscuring our foresight. Their sacrifice has likely saved the Republic and Jedi Order from a conflict I do not beleive we would have survived, and I, for one, intend to make sure the Shadows, at least, do not forget that. I want you and the Master of Shadows to establish at least three off site Archive backups of the Shadow Archives in locations of your choosing, and no, I don't want to know how many or where they are. I don't want any written records of where they are, and the information should be passed down orally by the Master of Shadows and select Master-Shadows. The politics surrounding Master-Shadow Revan and Grandmaster Surik are already getting heated amongst certain enclaves and satellite temples, and I've already heard at least one Master questioning whether we can truly beleive Grandmaster Surik's account of Master-Archivist Atris' Fall and betrayal.
Sadly, I believe it only a matter of generations before the truth of the Dantooine Council's actions, and the StarForge crisis becomes too 'inconvenient' for the Hardliners to allow.
Death, yet the Force.
-Council Master Vima Sunrider replying to Master-Shadow Artus Phirn, NOTICE: Both original message and this reply have been judged to contain heretical and intentionally falsified content, and was ordered purged as per Council Decree dated 2093 Before Ruusan Reformation. This data remains in the Shadow Archive as per direct order of then-Grandmaster Vima Sunrider; original Shadow Archive records were purged by High Council Decree, and later restored from off site backup by order of the Master of Shadows.
I write this that those in the future remember the sacrifices made by one who was the greatest example of the Sith, and yet perhaps was never a Sith at all. It has long been said that deceit and betrayal are the ways of the Sith, and what greater deceit can there be than infiltrating the Sith, and proving yourself capable to rise to the highest ranks: the Dark Council itself. What greater betrayal than using your position to bring in loyal acolytes, to build a coalition of Sith Lords, to subvert the Emperor's Wrath himself to your cause, and then eliminate the most powerful Sith in the history of our Order? Did Revan do this to throw off another of his chains? To kill the only Sith who could have restrained him, or did he engage in this plot to protect the people of the Republic, and perhaps even the Empire itself, from a power mad dictator who would have consumed the entire galaxy in his unending hunger?
In the end, does it even matter? Did he not prove himself a Sith by rising to the highest of our ranks? He showed us not only his raw power, but the cunning to wield that power effectively. Or perhaps, I am once again asking the wrong questions.
I am reminded of the last time we spoke, moments before our motley collection of Jedi, Sith, Mandalorians, droids, and Force Blind breached the doors to Vitiate's throne room. I asked Revan, 'Before we begin, answer me this, truly, are you Jedi, or Sith?' I wanted to know, there, before our final battle, where his allegiance lay at the end of things. Would he return to the Jedi and leave us to intercessine squabbles, or would he, as most of the Sith amongst us hoped, take the mantle of Emperor and lead us to a new era.
Revan, in his infuriating Jedi-like way, declined to answer, stating from behind his helm, 'I believe, Scourge, that you are asking a question that has no answer.'
'Then what question should I be asking?' I returned and nearly struck the man when he replied, 'And that, Lord Scourge, will be my final lesson to you.'
Now, as I sit here in the company of the stasis chambers beneath the Palace, that now hold Revan and his followers, looking back on his actions, I beleive I understand. Revan exercised control through benevolence and preached the end of slavery using our own Code. He held his subordinates to exacting standards, yet never gave a punishment in anger. He was ruthless, striking at his enemies with a strength and ferocity worthy of a Dark Lord, yet he seemed to relish every opportunity to show compassion. He punished betrayal brutally, yet lead through example, cultivating loyalty and respect amongst his subordinates. Even by other Councilors he was regarded as a man of paradox, and yet saw no contradictions within his own philosophy.
I believe I finally understand his final lesson. The Jedi Code, for all its simpering weakness, finds its truth in the meaning that rests between contradictory concepts. The question I asked was meaningless, as it presupposed a binary answer where the solution could only be found in a continuum. If you had asked me, before his return to the Empire, if one could be both Jedi and Sith, standing astride the gap between our Orders that has widened by tens of millenia of atrocities and hate, I would have accused you of heresy or insanity. But now? I know the truth: yes, and he is the greatest of us all for it.
The battle was a victory, but he and his followers were all critically injured. I suspect Revan expected this outcome, and yet, as usual, stepped forward without hesitation. My final lesson, indeed. Yet, as those remaining members of the Dark Council gathered ourselves, we felt the Force call out: it's Will was not yet done with Revan, and so, we placed him and his companions within these stasis chambers, his Droid departing to 'Initiate contingency plans.' What purpose the Force wishes them for is too far distant for even I to foresee, but know this, descendant of my Order, should you read this, and seek to awaken Revan.
If he calls you ally, he will stand by your side against all enemies, no matter the inevitably of defeat. If you seek him as a weapon, he will serve you for exactly as long as he wishes, and then exact his Vengeance with ruthless power. If he calls you friend, only his honor will take him from your side, and fear his retribution if it does.
Long Live Revan, Long Live the Sith
-Lord Scourge, archival data file recovered from the ruins of Dromund Kaas along with stasis pods, contents unknown, by Jedi Knight-Archivists and Knight-Shadows in 199ARR. Original written in Ur-Kittat and translated by Master-Shadow Revan upon awakening. Classified by order of the High Council to Council/NtN clearance.